Leviticus 1:17

He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely. And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely.
This instruction pertains to the offering of birds, specifically turtledoves or young pigeons, as a burnt offering. The act of tearing the bird open by its wings without dividing it completely signifies a complete yet undivided sacrifice, symbolizing total dedication to God. This method of preparation is unique to birds, as larger animals were divided. The tearing without complete division may symbolize the unity and wholeness of the offering, reflecting the worshiper's complete devotion. This act foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ, who was wholly offered yet remained undivided in His divine purpose.

And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood.
The burning of the offering on the altar signifies the complete consumption of the sacrifice by fire, representing purification and the ascent of the offering to God. The altar, central to Israelite worship, was a place of divine encounter and atonement. The burning wood signifies the continual presence of fire, a symbol of God's holiness and judgment. This act of burning the offering points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who was wholly consumed by His passion and death, offering Himself as a fragrant offering to God.

It is a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, signifies an offering that ascends to God, wholly consumed by fire. As a food offering, it represents sustenance and fellowship with God, though not consumed by the priests or worshipers. The phrase "a pleasing aroma to the LORD" indicates God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering, symbolizing reconciliation and favor. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2), fulfilling the typology of the burnt offering as a means of atonement and divine pleasure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing worship and atonement.

3. The Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, representing complete surrender to God.

4. The Bird
In this context, a turtledove or young pigeon, which was an acceptable offering for those who could not afford larger animals.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, to whom the offerings are made, signifying His holiness and the need for atonement.

Teaching Points

Complete Surrender
The burnt offering symbolizes total dedication to God. Believers are called to surrender their lives fully to Him, holding nothing back.

Accessibility of Worship
The provision for offering birds shows God's understanding and accommodation for all economic levels, emphasizing that worship is accessible to everyone.

Pleasing Aroma
Our lives, like the burnt offering, should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience and devotion.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, reminding us of the importance of intercession and mediation in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents purification and transformation. As believers, we are called to be refined and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Leviticus 1:17 relate to the idea of living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

2. What does the provision for offering birds teach us about God's inclusivity and understanding of human circumstances?

3. In what ways can our lives be a "pleasing aroma" to God today, and what practical steps can we take to achieve this?

4. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

5. What does the symbolism of fire in the sacrificial system teach us about the process of spiritual purification and transformation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 8:20-21
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which was also a pleasing aroma to the LORD, showing the continuity of sacrificial worship.

Exodus 29:18
The burnt offering as a pleasing aroma, highlighting the importance of obedience and dedication in worship.

Romans 12:1
The call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete surrender seen in burnt offerings.

Hebrews 10:1-10
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment in Christ, who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.